Opinion
Do you work for the federal government? Are you in the military? Do you work for a contractor? You already know what sequestration is doing to your business, your livelihood, your retirement plans. Oh, but are you a hair stylist, a lawn maintenance worker or an auto dealer? Guess what? Sequestration is affecting you, too.
I attended a Town Hall recently, hosted by Delegate Rich Anderson of the Virginia 51st District. He was accompanied by Bryce Reeves, Virginia State Senator from the 17th District and Terrie Suit, the Virginia Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security.
All three serve on the Commission on Military Installations and Defense Activities, a Commission appointed by Governor McDonald, to protect the interests of 100,000 active duty military and over 800,000 veterans in the Commonwealth of Virginia The Commission also includes:
· The Honorable Richard D. Brown of Henrico, Secretary of Finance
· The Honorable Jim Cheng of McLean, Secretary of Commerce and Trade
· The Honorable Marla Graff Decker of Henrico, Secretary of Public Safety
· Lieutenant General (USAF-Ret) Al Edmonds of Alexandria
· Lieutenant General (USMC-Ret) Emerson N. Gardner of Arlington
· Admiral (USN-Ret) John C. Harvey, Jr. of Charlottesville
· Lieutenant General (USA-Ret) John R. Wood of Alexandria
Opinion
The focus of that commission and this Town Hall are active duty and retired, but these cuts affect everyone in the state of Virginia.
Noodling around Facebook is the equivalent of chatting around the water cooler. I read so many comments and opinions that fall into a few categories:
1. the sequestration cuts are the Republicans/Democrats/Congress/Senate/President’s fault.
2. The budget deficit is caused by President Bush or Clinton or Obama.
3. We spend too much on war or benefits or pensions.
4. We don’t have enough jobs, education is too expensive, and health care is killing us.
5. Over-regulation, lack of enforcement, a sense of entitlement, and a rift in the population in this country.
Pick one or two of the above. Add your own reason. Hell, blame all of them! Better yet, blame none of them.
I’m resigned to the fact sequestration is turning my hair gray. Since my husband lost his job six months ago, it’s become one of the cuts I’ve made to our budget. I cannot afford the monthly expense of going to a salon to have my hair colored. So the business that I frequented is losing the price of my ten visits a year. The stylist is losing her commission and the young woman who does shampoos is losing her tip.
We’ve nearly stopped completely going out to eat, only doing so when it’s part of an obligation. The restaurants, the servers, and the bartender feel the effects of sequestration.
It’s not so difficult for us to sacrifice those small pleasures. Bill retired from the Air Force as an E-6, so we never became accustomed to living “high on the hog”, although in the last 10 years, since we learned to live debt free, we did have some discretionary spending. We were able to afford a couple of vacations in that time. Now, we can’t.
That’s how sequestration impacts everyone, not just active duty or retirees, not just contractors or federal workers. We are all feeling the cuts.
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The Stafford County Simply Perfect Wedding Expo is coming up on February 8, 2025, at the Holiday Inn and Conference Center in Fredericksburg! This event is a must for couples planning their big day, featuring top wedding vendors, venues, florists, caterers, photographers, and more—all in one place.
If you’re a wedding professional, vendor opportunities are available, but spaces are limited. Don’t miss your chance to connect with engaged couples ready to plan their special day!
Prince William County Sheriff Glendell Hill announced that online applications are open for the Virginia Sheriffs’ Institute (VSI) Scholarship Program for the 2025-2026 school year.
The scholarship provides financial assistance to students attending Virginia colleges and universities who are majoring in criminal justice, excluding those pursuing a law degree or legal career. Applicants must obtain a letter of recommendation from their resident sheriff before applying.
Prince William County residents must contact the Sheriff’s Office by April 4, 2025, to schedule an appointment with Sheriff Hill for the recommendation. The deadline to submit the online application and required documents is May 1, 2025. More details and application materials are available on the VSI website.
Prince William County has scrapped its $300 million Route 28 Bypass project, leaving residents and officials debating the next steps for traffic relief. The project, which would have taken 70 homes, faced rising costs, land acquisition hurdles, and a lack of Fairfax County support. Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis Younger criticized the decision, saying her city is “stuck in the middle.” Meanwhile, State Sen. Danica Roem is pushing forward with $62.5 million in intersection improvements. A town hall on Route 28’s future will be held Feb. 26 at Manassas Park City Hall. Read more about what’s next for local transportation.
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
